Getting a number close is a great accomplishment.As we’ve seen, though, it’s no guarantee of an actualdate—and certainly no guarantee that you’llsee action later. Things aren’t entirely out of your hands, however; how you conduct yourself in the follow-up will inlarge part determine a girl’s response.

Let’s look at some of the options you have for communicatingduring follow-up—and the advantages and dangersof each.

Text Game

Questions about texting a girl come up time and timeagain when I’m training guys. I used to be the worst possibletexter, with most of my numbers flaking. Now my textgame is very solid; it doesn’t ever let me down.Text game is actually pretty simple, and if you follow myrules for texting you should notice a big difference rightaway. If you don’t want that prized number to turn into aflake, pay attention:

✓✓ Use only one question mark per message.✓✓ Your messages, unless scripted, should be shorterthan hers.✓✓ Use a “fire-and-forget” strategy—send the message,put the phone down, and go do something else.✓✓ If she texts you back, take your time before responding.Don’t rush right over to the phone. Takeat least as long to reply as she did.✓✓ When you write a message, leave it as a draft forten minutes; then go back and read it again—andmake sure it’s not embarrassing!✓✓ If she asks a question (like “How’s it going?”) towhich you can give only a boring response—don’tanswer it.✓✓ If she asks multiple questions, don’t answerthem all.✓✓ The best time to send a text message is when you’rebusy or on your way somewhere. It shouldn’t looklike you spent too long thinking about what to say.It should look like you finally got around to it and are answering nonchalantly.✓✓ Don’t use xoxo’s or smiley faces . . . ever! Even ifshe does.✓✓ Never send two texts in a row within forty-eighthours without a response.✓✓ If she doesn’t reply, wait at least five days beforetrying again.✓✓ Don’t try to arrange the date on the first text; this isusually instant death!Finally, for examples of actual text messages that youcan send, go to www.puatraining.com/textgame.

Phone Game

Some guys prefer getting on the phone. My friend andlongtime wingman Anthony P. is one of those. But it’s a lottougher to talk to someone when you aren’t face-to-face, sowhen you get her number, it needs to be as solid as possible.If you call after a number close and she answers enthusiastically—it’s on. With a coupleof minutes’ chat, you canprobably set up a date pretty easily. If you call and she’sa bit cold or noncommittal—“Who? Oh yeah . . . I remember. . . umm . . . hi”—try to be as interesting as possible.

Excerpted from The Natural: How to Effortlessly Attract the Women You Want by Richard La Ruina. Reprinted with permission from HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.